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Did you know that the first water-powered factory in England was opened in Derby in 1722? It was a silk-mill built to a design that John Lombe provided, having used industrial espionage to obtain it from Italy. He died mysteriously that same year, local legend saying he was poisoned by a female spy sent from Piedmont.

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Famous Derby people:

Constance Spry
Eric James
Geoff Hoon
George Simpson
Herbert Spencer
John Hobson
John Wood
Richard Roberts
William Abney

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Brit Quote:
It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. - Noel Coward
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On this day:
The Bangorian Controversy - 1717, Poll Tax Riots - 1990, Teletubbies First Broadcast - 1997
More dates from British history

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